“The technology of the modern media has produced new possibilities of interaction… What is needed is a wider view encompassing the coming rewards in the context of the treasures left us by the past experiences, possessions, and insights.” (Rudolf Arnheim, Summer 2000)

Recognizing the increasing significance of media art for our culture, this Conference (Evening of Sept. 28th, Sept. 29th, 30th, October 1st) on the Histories of Media Art will discuss for the first time the history of media art within the interdisciplinary and intercultural contexts of the histories of art. Leonardo/ISAST, Banff New Media Institute the Database for Virtual Art and UNESCO DigiArts are collaborating to produce the first international art history conference covering art and new media, art and technology, art-science interaction, and the history of media as pertinent to contemporary art.

Held at The Banff Centre, featuring lectures by invited and selected speakers, the latter being chosen by an international jury from a call for papers, the main event will be followed by a two-day summit meeting (October 2-3, 2005) for in-depth dialogues and international project initiation (proposals welcome).

Papers are invited from scholars and postgraduates in any relevant discipline, particularly art history and new media, art and technology, the interaction of art and science, and media history, are encouraged to submit for the sessions detailed on the website.